When it comes to beach gateways, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between an offshore or inshore fishing trip. As locals who have fished the pristine waters of Australian south coast for years, we’re here to fill you in on what each type offers.
With our guide, you will be able to determine what might be the best fit for your skill level and interest.
Offshore game fishing offers the thrill of the hunt for big game like tuna, marlin, and sharks in the deep sea. On the other hand, inshore fishing provides a more relaxed vibe as you cast from the beach or smaller boats close to shore.
Both inshore and offshore fishing have their respective thrill. The choice is up to you and what kind of adventure you’re in the mood for. Either way, with scenic Narooma as your base, you really can’t go wrong.
Inshore Fishing: The Basics
When it comes to inshore fishing, there are a few basics you need to know. Inshore fishing includes coastal fishing, bay fishing, and estuaries fishing. The fish you’ll find here are usually smaller species that live and feed close to the coast shore.
Gear
For inshore fishing, you’ll want to pack light. A medium-light road and reel suited for bait casting will work great.
You’ll also want to bring live or fresh bait like shrimp, clams, or mullet. Make sure you have a tackle box to store all your gear.
Target Species
For this type of fishing activity, here are some common inshore fish you can catch:
- Redfish (also known as red drum) – A popular sport fish found in coastal waters. They always put up a good fight and are excellent to eat.
- Speckled trout – An aggressive fish that makes for a challenging catch. This fish meat is delicious and considered a delicacy by many.
- Sheepshead – They have distinctive black and white stripes and oval bodies. They have a reputation for being tricky to catch but have tasty meat.
Best Places for Inshore Fishing Trips
The best fishing spot is an area with structures where fish can hide, feed, and breed. Brackish waters where rivers meet the sea are also prime inshore fishing spots.
Look for areas where you see birds diving into the eater. This usually means bait fish and predator fish will be close by.
Inshore waters provide an easygoing experience and a family-friendly introduction to saltwater fishing. With some basic gear and know-how, you’ll be reeling in fish for your fish taco or fish fry in no time.
Offshore Fishing: The Open Waters Awaits
Fishing offshore is an angler’s dream. When we head into the open waters off the coast of Narooma, anything is possible. The deep sea’s old mysteries and monsters, awaiting the bait at the end of your line.
For offshore fishing activities, the variety of fish seems endless. You can catch snapper, kingfish, tuna, shark, and even marlin. The further from the shore into the water depth, the bigger the prizes. The open sea provides more space and food sources for large pelagic fish like tuna and sharks to roam.
There is something magical about fishing miles offshore, surrounded by deep water. Seabirds soar and circle, riding the air currents. Whales and dolphins frequently visit, diving and playing in the swells. The peace and solitude make for a perfect escape from everyday life on land. Offshore fishing excursions become an adventure to remember for years to come.
Offshore fishing isn’t for the faint of heart. But for anglers looking to test their skill and endurance against some of the biggest, hardest-fighting fish in the sea, the rewards of an offshore adventure can create memories that last a lifetime.
Key Difference Between Inshore and Offshore Fishing
When it comes to fishing off the coast of Narooma, you have the option of inshore and offshore fishing. We highly recommend trying both inshore and offshore fishing to experience the variety of fish and adventures the Australian south coast has to offer.
As an experienced fishing charter in the South Coast and as locals who grew up fishing these waters, we’ve come to take into account some key differences between inshore and offshore fishing.
Inshore fishing takes place within a few miles of the coastline in relatively shallow water. Offshore fishing, on the other hand, involves venturing out into the deeper sea with boisterous weather times. Your boat will usually travel 5–30 miles from the shore. The further from the shore you travel, the bigger the fish you tend to get.
With inshore fishing, you can expect to catch fish flathead, bream, whiting and snapper. Offshore species include shark, tuna, kingfish, marlin, morwong, and mako. For those looking to break records, offshore also provides an opportunity to land trophy fish.
Smaller boats like tinnies runabouts and dinghies are commonly used for inshore fishing trips. Offshore fishing employs larger cabin boats, sport fishing boats, and charter boats that can safely navigate further from the shore. Our offshore charter at Charter Fish Narooma provides comfort like cabins, galleys, and restrooms for multi-day trips.
Inshore fishing takes place in calmer, protected waters closer to shore, so seasickness is less likely. The choppier, rolling swells further offshore can lead to nausea, especially for those not accustomed to ocean travel. If you are prone to motion sickness, pack seasickness bands for your offshore fishing trip.
Whether you prefer the shallow or deep sea, the Australian south coast offers world-class inshore and offshore fishing at all skill levels. Come experience the thrill of the catch with our team at Charter Fish Narooma.
Conclusion
As you can see, both inshore and offshore fishing offer incredible experiences in their own rights. Offshore fishing charter provides the thrill of battling big game fish in the deep blue sea. In contrast, inshore fishing allows you to explore the gorgeous coastal scenery and catch delicious fish for dinner.
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to what kind of adventure you’re looking for and how much time you want to spend on the water.
If you’re torn between the two, why not try a bit of both? Book today at Charter Fish Narooma and let our team make your fishing gateway a treasured memory.
Life’s too short to limit yourself to a single fishing experience when you can have the best of both worlds. The waters of Narooma are calling you!
